Who runs this site?
My name is Irwin Lawson. I am a photographer based in the North Island of New Zealand,who annually spends some weeks living out of motorhomes around Queenstown, Wanaka, Tekapo, and the West Coast. I started this site to share the practical rental and route advice I wish I'd had when I first started doing these trips.
Are you a rental company?
No — I don't own any vehicles. I partner with Motorhome Republic, which aggregates rentals from major brands like Maui, Britz, Jucy, Mighty, Apollo, and Kea. When you book through a link on this site, you're booking directly with the rental operator via Motorhome Republic.
How do I actually book a motorhome?
Click any of the "Compare Motorhomes and Campervans" links on this site. They'll take you to Motorhome Republic where you can enter your dates, compare vehicles side-by-side, and book directly. I don't handle bookings, payments, or customer service — I just point you to the right place.
Do you make money from this?
Yes. If you book through one of my affiliate links, I earn a commission from Motorhome Republic. It costs you nothing extra. I only recommend this because I use the platform myself to book my own trips — it's the easiest way to compare availability across all the major Queenstown rental depots in one search.
What's the best motorhome for a South Island photography trip?
It depends on your route. If you're sticking to sealed roads between Queenstown, Wanaka, and Tekapo, a smaller campervan (like a Jucy or Britz HiTop) is easier to park and cheaper to run. If you're heading to more remote spots or travelling in winter, a larger self-contained motorhome with heating and a proper bathroom is worth the extra cost. I break this down in detail on my route pages.
Can you help me plan my specific itinerary?
I don't offer personalised travel planning, but I've documented all the routes I've actually driven — including where I camped, what I shot, and what I'd do differently next time. Start with my Wanaka, Lake Tekapo, or Mt Cook guides. If you have a specific question about a route I've covered, feel free to ask.
What if something goes wrong with my rental?
Contact the rental company or Motorhome Republic directly — they handle all customer service, insurance, and vehicle issues. I'm not involved in the booking process, so I can't access your reservation or intervene on your behalf. I do share honest feedback about companies I've used, which you can find in my route guides. Motorhome Republic Support
Do your photos come with the routes?
The photos on this site are all my own, taken during my motorhome trips. You're welcome to enjoy them as inspiration for your own journey, but they are copyrighted. If you're interested in licensing any images, contact me directly.
Affiliate disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to Motorhome Republic. I earn a commission on qualifying bookings at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on my personal experience or thorough research.